Time to throw out, recycle the tree

The gifts have been opened, the Christmas roast has been eaten and that Christmas tree, a once lovely symbol of holiday cheer, is now a needle-dropping fire hazard.

You can throw your tree out with the regular garbage by putting it out with the yard debris, according to a Clark County news release. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into sections no longer than 5 feet; smaller trees can be put into yard debris carts.

Part of a larger tree can be left on the curb next to the cart for no extra cost, though yard debris customers who put a whole tree out along with their yard debris cart will be charged a fee. Customers without a yard debris cart can put trees out next to their garbage containers and pay for an extra 32-gallon collection.

All lights, tinsel and other ornaments must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees can’t be recycled with yard debris.

The Boy Scouts of America will also be collecting trees in Battle Ground, Camas, Vancouver and Washougal, according to the release. Leave your tree outside by 8 a.m. Saturday for pick up. The service is free, with a suggested donation of $7.

Residents can also dispose of any Christmas tree for $5 or less at the following recycling centers:

• Central Transfer Recycling, 11034 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.

• City Bark, 2419 N.E. Andresen Road, Vancouver.

• H&H Wood Recyclers, 8401 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.

• McFarlane’s Bark, 8806 N.E. 117th Ave., Vancouver.

• Triangle Resources, 612 S.E. Union St., Camas.

• Washougal Transfer Station, 4020 S. Grant St., Washougal.

• West Van Materials Center, 6601 N.W. Old Lower River Road, Vancouver.